Compromise

News-Times, The (Danbury, CT)

Published
1:00 am EDT, Tuesday, April 6, 2004

The long and confusing debate about where to build a new Litchfield County courthouse has been resolved in a satisfactory and creative manner. The old courthouse on the Litchfield Green is outdated and there simply isn't the room needed for expansion. Another site in Litchfield had been chosen for a new courthouse, but Torrington officials had been strongly opposed to it. As a result, the construction of a new courthouse has been in limbo, and the state's fiscal problems even put it in jeopardy. So, with much skill, local legislators negotiated a resolution that gives all sides something they wanted. A new courthouse will be opened in Torrington, providing needed economic development for that community. The historic Litchfield courthouse will be renovated and continue to handle specialized functions, such as juvenile and family court matters. And New Milford, where there were concerns about being forced to go to Torrington for court cases, won an important concession. Legislators will seek a change in state law that will give New Milford residents the option of filing civil cases in Danbury. This agreement may not be perfect, given the competing interests involved. But it is a good compromise. Best of all, it will end the acrimony that had prevented the construction of proper court facilities for Litchfield County.